New skate park gets 10 out of 10

SKATERS are praising the opening of a new concrete skate park in Goonellabah, claiming it as one of the best in the region.

HIGH PRAISE: Steven Humphries, 19, of Ballina, ‘test drives’ the newly-completed Goonellabah skate park, which will be officially opened tomorrow. . Picture: David Nielsen

SKATERS are praising the opening of a new concrete skate park in Goonellabah, claiming it as one of the best in the region.

The skate park will have its official opening tomorrow, but keen locals like 19-year-old Steven Humphries have been testing out the new facility already.

“This is the fourth time I have skated here and I think it's so good, definitely one of the best around,” he said.

“There are a lot more rails, it is a lot smoother and there is so much more variety. It will be great when they start to have events here.”

The Ballina resident and skating competitor has experienced first hand the high standard of skating at the park and is grateful for the new facilities.

“The skaters that come here are really good and any skaters that come here will be able to improve a lot more,” he said.

“It is so good to have the aquatic centre and the skating park.”

Construction of the skate park began in June and was jointly funded by Federal stimulus funding and the Lismore City Council.

The first-class facility will host competitions, as well as encourage physical activity among locals, Lismore City Council manager of assets Scott Turner said.

“One of the main reasons the council built the skate park is the lack of facilities for youth in the area,” he said.

“We hope the skate park will provide an opportunity to get involved in physical activity.”

The official opening by Federal Minister Anthony Albanese tomorrow from 9am includes a welcome to country ceremony by local indigenous people, a skating demonstration and morning tea.

Originally published as New skate park gets 10 out of 10